The value of foreign-developed players: What Football Australia can learn from Morocco for Socceroos success
Morocco is not the only nation to find success with a large contingent of foreign-developed players - and the Socceroos can join that list.
Former Socceroos coach Graham Arnold expects Australia to win the Asian Cup.
Arnold, who was at the helm during the 2007 tournament, watched with pride as Ange Postecoglou’s men beat China 2-0 on Wednesday for a place in the semi-finals.
“I can only see us winning it,” the current Sydney FC mentor said.
“At the start I said we’re going to be hard to beat on home soil and I stick by that, because I know the confidence that goes within the squad when you’re playing on home soil.
“And I think even the way that we’ve played has passed expectations as well – the style and the way Ange has gone about things.
“You’ve only got to be proud to be a Socceroos supporter again.”
Arnold said Postecoglou, a close mate of his, had been criticised for making big changes when he first got the job – namely replacing Australia’s so-called golden generation with youngsters.
“But to sit back and watch them performing is a great credit to Ange,” he added.
“He’s a wonderful coach but also those younger players, they’re doing an excellent job.”
He also praised the leadership of Tim Cahill, Mile Jedinak and Mark Bresciano, whose impact he said shouldn’t be underrated despite his limited minutes.
“Their positiveness is obviously rubbing off on the young boys and their experience is making them relaxed,” Arnold said.
Three of Arnold’s former charges at Central Coast played the quarter-final against China – goalkeeper Mat Ryan, Alex Wilkinson and Trent Sainsbury – while one of his current crop of Sydney stars, Terry Antonis, remains part of the squad.
“Knowing I had a huge role to play in their development, and seeing how far they’ve developed in their time overseas, is just great to watch,” he said.
“I can’t claim that I developed Maty Ryan … the credit’s got to go to (Mariners goalkeeping coach) John Crawley.
“I just gave him the opportunity and belief that he was good enough.
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Morocco is not the only nation to find success with a large contingent of foreign-developed players - and the Socceroos can join that list.
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